Tuesday, August 23, 2011

WIN a signed copy of The Essential Guide to South African Wine and a bottle of Cheviot Syrah

We have some stunning giveaways lined up for all our fabulous StyleSociety subscribers. The lovely Elmari Swart of Cheviot Publishing is spoiling one lucky subscriber with the following giveaway: A signed copy of The Essential Guide to South African Wines: Terroir & Travel accompanied by a bottle of Cheviot Syrah, a 4.5 Star Platter wine from her garagiste winery.









The Essential Guide to South African Wines: Terroir & Travel is a fully-illustrated guide on the premium wines of South Africa. The Guide presents existing wine-producing regions using the revolutionary Wine Pockets system. Individual Pockets highlight a specific terroir unit along with local wine styles, providing insight to the unique qualities of each wine-producing area. Detailed regional, as well as one-day Pocket driving-maps, make it is a fully-illustrated guide on the premium wines of South Africa.

WIN WIN WIN
To enter this competition, Click on both the links below and LIKE both these pages on Facebook:
Step 1. LIKE the
South African Essential Wine Guide on Facebook
Step 2. LIKE
StyleSociety’s Cape Town Fashion page on Facebook?


In the comment section of this post:
Step 3. Tell us why you are a part of StyleSociety and why you should WIN this prize


Please make sure you do all of the above (Step 1, 2 and 3) to ensure that your entry is not disqualified. This Competition is only open to StyleSociety Subscribers who are South African residents who are over the age of 18. By entering this competition you agree to all Terms and Conditions. Closing Date : 22 September 2011


This competition is Not open to Persons Under the Age of 18. Please drink Responsibly



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Cheviot Winery teams up with Food Guru Ina Paarman



Foodie legend Ina Paarman has designed a fabulous African Winter Menu, focussing on venison and in-season veggies. This winter, she pairs her menu with the dense Cheviot Syrah 2006, (4* Platter) for a indulgent dinner celebration.

African style menu
Starter: Green Pea Soup with Basil

Main:
Venison Pie with Port and Prunes
Sweet Potato Mash
Sweet & Sour Roasted Beetroot
Roasted Aubergine Salad

Dessert: Orange Nut Crunchies with Chocolate Drizzle
Coffee

WIN!! To enter our competition this month, click here: http://www.paarman.co.za/newsletter_recipes_june_2011.html

5 winners will each receive a deluxe Ina Paarman hamper with utility knife, apron and signed mini cookbook and a bottle of 2006 Cheviot Syrah.

Cheviot wines are available from the Cheviot Winery: winesales@cheviot-wines.com

CONGRATS to everyone that won!!!
A. Filmer
J. Stuurman
D. Summerton
C. Lockitch
J. Abbot




Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Top 100 SA Wines – Full Results

The most talked-about competition of the year - results in full!



Possibly the most eagerly-awaited set of results in the SA wine world were launched this evening at a reception at Rodwell House in St James, Cape Town. The Top 100 SA Wines has generated masses of column inches both in print and online, with discussions surrounding the name, the judges, the proposed industry executive, the aims of the competition and a myriad other discussion points.



Well, the wait is over and the results are out. Here are a few facts which may be of interest:




  • 411 wines were entered, 15 were declined (reasons unspecified), 6 were withdrawn, mainly for operational reasons (again unspecified) – total number judged was 390.

  • 222 of the wines submitted were red, 143 were white, 25 were of other styles (port, MCC, dessert).

  • Of the 25 ‘other styles’ entered, 11 ended up in the Top 100, making this a 44% success rate (hot tip for producers thinking of entering next year perhaps!)

  • 24 of the Top 100 retail for less than R100.

  • 14 of the Top 100 (the biggest category) are Chenin Blanc – a shot in the arm for those who believe it is our best vinous asset.

  • There are no Pinot Noirs in the Top 100.

  • Top performers with five entries each are Cederberg and Saronsberg followed by Simonsig with four entries.

  • Particularly interesting entrants (ie newer wineries, wineries not often featured in competitions etc) into the fine wine arena include Oldenburg (3 entries), Bosman Family Vineyards (2 entries), MAN Vintners Tormentoso (2 entries), Zorgvliet (2 entries), Aaldering, Allee Bleue, Hawksmoor at Matjieskuil, Sumaridge, Vondeling, Vuurberg (1 entry apiece).

  • All the winemakers who took part as judges or who are part of the industry executive have got wines listed in the Top 100. The introductory section assures us that ‘commercial interests are distinct and separate from the judging process and from the judges themselves’ and I spoke to Tim Atkin and several other judges, all of whom were adamant that they have no idea what wines they tasted, and that no winemaker judged their own wine.

  • 23 bottles rejected because of cork taint, 7 were oxidised and a further 10 others suffered from other faults.

  • 3,600 water biscuits were consumed over the four days of judging!

Each wine is listed with a short comment from the judges which is nice, but nicer still would have been to know which judge made that comment. There is a lot of information given on each wine including details of vinification etc which are often omitted from other guides due to lack of space. The rest of the book is devoted to industry information, maps, a winetasting glossary and tips on buying and storing wine



So there you go – a few thoughts to chew on. I suppose you could say there are notable omissions from what perhaps would generally be termed ‘South Africa’s best’ - whether because they didn’t enter or because they didn’t get through, we shall never know. Equally so, there are wines included which will cause surprise/curiosity and frankly, some disbelief.



But isn’t this what happens with all competition results – when the people we expect to win, do win - we say ‘same-old, same-old, yawn’ and when newcomers triumph and usual suspects are ignored, we react with outrage and cast aspersions on the knowledge and capabilities of the judges involved. You’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t, and I don’t see why this competition will be any different from any others.



So back to the name – is this a list that we can feel proud of, one which truly represents the very best of South African wine? I would say yes, that these are all excellent examples of their particular style and I am sure that anyone drinking any of them would agree. Are there others as good or better? For sure – but they’re not on this list, these ones are.



Well done to the people who’ve paid their money, chosen to enter this competition and won – I hope you feel the returns are worth it. For those who didn’t (and the book acknowledges that the most popular reason given for not entering was ‘wanting to see how the first year goes before committing’ – now you know), I daresay that if you feel you fit in that list, you’ll be filling in your forms for next year. And at the end of the day, that’s the only measure of success anyone is going to pay attention to at all.



The Top 100 SA Wines - the full list



Red wine cultivars:


Cabernet Sauvignon


Edgebaston Cabernet Sauvignon 2008


Klein Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008


Le Riche Wines Cabernet Reserve 2007


Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008


Rickety Bridge Winery The Bridge 2008


Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2007


Stark-Condè Wines Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2008


Webersburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2004



Merlot


Creation Wines Merlot 2009


Slaley Cellars Merlot 2006



Pinotage


Bosman Family Vineyards Pinotage 2009


Neethlingshof Estate The Owl Post 2009


Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage Reserve 2007


Simonsig Estate Pinotage Redhill 2007



Shiraz


Boschendal Cecil John Reserve Shiraz 2008


Cederberg Shiraz 2008


Flagstone Dark Horse 2007


Graham Beck Wines The Ridge Syrah 2006


Groot Constantia Shiraz 2008


Oldenburg Vineyards Syrah 2008


Raka Biography Shiraz 2008


Saronsberg Cellar Nick & Forti’s Shiraz 2006


Saronsberg Cellar Shiraz 2008


Saxenburg Private Collection Shiraz 2006



Other red cultivars


Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2008



Red wine blends


Bordeaux red blend


Aaldering Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2007


De Grendel Wines Rubaiyat 2007


Dornier Wines Donatus Red 2007


Glenelly Cellars Lady May 2008


Mvemve Raats de Compostella 2007


Rustenberg John X Merriman 2008


Saronsberg Cellar Provenance Rooi 2009


Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2007


Uva Mira Red Blend 2006



Cape blend


Simonsig Estate Frans Malan 2005



Rhone style blend


Badenhorst Family Red 2007


Creation Wines Syrah Grenache 2009


Hawksmoor at Matjieskuil Saint Alfege’s 2008


Saronsberg Cellar Full Circle 2008


Tormentoso Syrah & Mourvedre 2009 (MAN Vintners)



Shiraz-Viognier blend (not sure why this isn’t included above!)


La Motte Pierneef Shiraz Viognier 2008



Other red blend


Anwilka 2008



White wine cultivars


Chardonnay


Boschendal Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2009


Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Limited Chardonnay 2009


Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2010


Jordan Wine Estate Chardonnay 2009


Longridge Wines Chardonnay 2008


Mulderbosch Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2007


Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2010


Diemersdal Eight Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2010


Diemersdal Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010


Graham Beck Pheasants’ Run Sauvignon Blanc 2010


Hermanuspietersfontein Nr. 5 Sauvignon Blanc 2009


Paul Cluver Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2010


Quoin Rock Winery Nicobar 2009


Steenberg HMS Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2010


Zorgvliet Wines Five-Thirty-Five 2010


Zorgvliet Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2010



Other white cultivars


Cederberg Ghost Corner Semillon 2009


Saronsberg Cellar Nick & Forti’s Viognier 2008


Steenberg Vineyards Semillon 2010



White wine blends


White Bordeaux blend


Cape Point Vineyards Isliedh 2009


Cape Point Vineyards Isliedh 2010


Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve 2010


Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2009



Other white blends


Allèe Bleue Isabeau 2010


Miles Mossop Wines Saskia 2009


Quoin Rock Winery Oculus 2007


Sumaridge Wines Maritimus 2009


The Bernard Series Whole Bunch Grenache/Viognier 2010 (DGB)


Vondeling Babiana 2008


Vuurberg Wines White 2010



Others


Dessert wines


Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2006


Paul Cluver Wines Noble Late Harvest Riesling 2010



Méthode Cap Classique


Bon Courage Jacques Bruére C.C. BdB 2007 Brut


Cederberg Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006


Constantia Uitsig MCC 2007 Brut


Simonsig Estate Cuvée Royale 2005 Brut


Teddy Hall Wines Blanc de Blancs 2005 Brut



Port


Bergsig Estate Cape LBV 2000


De Krans Cape Tawny Port NV


De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2008


Overgaauw Cape Vintage Port 1998

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Top 100 Wines Announcement

Appointment And Joint Collaboration Statement
Cape Town, 04 February 2011

We are delighted today to announce that Top 100 SA Wines has appointed Cheviot Publishing as our publishing partner.



www.top100sawines.co.za

Cheviot Publishing is an independent, wine related book publisher. They enjoy an enviable reputation for hands-on, high quality, and dedicated project management. Their aim is to deliver agreed results to their clients on time and on budget.

Top 100 SA Wines is an innovative and dynamic fine-wine brand that aims to ‘de-myth the bunk’ for fine-wine consumers. Its world-class Master of Wine-led panel will soon objectively and accurately identify the top 100 SA wines, in order to enhance consumer choice and simplify purchasing of our country’s great wines. This long-needed initiative will be an annual feature on the SA calendar.

Providing fine-wine consumer access to relevant information that is practical, objective and easy to understand is a common goal shared by both companies. More importantly consumers worldwide now demand this approach. Consumers will be given easily referenced information on SA’s top wines in a simple, affordable annual guide, thus aiding and encouraging their confident purchases.

Both of our brands share a similar and exciting market lead approach. Our respective skills and knowledge will now be combined to produce the ideal solution – 2011 Top 100 SA Wines Consumer Guide.

A number of public and private tastings and related opportunities will be presented nationally. The 2011 Top 100 SA Wines Consumer Guide will be available from late April 2011.

Register your interest in obtaining your copy of the Consumer Guide now This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Elmari Swart
Publisher Cheviot Publishing

Robin von Holdt
CEO Top 100 SA Wines

Friday, November 5, 2010

Happy Guy Fawkes (and birthdays!)



Best wishes to everyone sharing this special day !!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Wine Capitals "Wine Tourism Awards"


The winners of the Best Of Wine Tourism awards were announced in Christchurch, New Zealand today at a gala event attended by high-level members of the wine tourism industry from South Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America and New Zealand.

They winners from South Africa are:
Steenberg Vineyards: International winner for Wine tourism services

National Winners
 Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa: Accommodation
 Grande Provence: Art and culture
 Waverley Hills: Sustainable wine tourism practices
 Warwick Estate: Innovative wine tourism experiences
 Rust en Vrede: Wine tourism restaurants
 Steenberg Vineyards: Architecture, parks and gardens


Congratulations to you and your teams for making us proud;
from The Cheviot Publishing team

Monday, September 6, 2010

What's on in Cape Town - Sept 2010

TABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY WINTER SPECIAL
1 May - 31 October
Two children under 18 years travel free with every adult return ticket for R 170. The special is valid everyday including weekends and public holidays.Tel: 021 424 8181 www.tablemountain.net

ART: AFRICAN LIGHT
30 May - 30 September
An exhibition of local and international art which explores the inherent reflective qualities of art glass as they mirror a palette of African colours, shades and textures. Venue: EDGE Glass Gallery, 29 Vredenburg Lane, off top of Long St Time: Tues - Fri @ 10am - 5pm, Mon & Sat by appointment only Cost: FreeTel: 021 423 3371 Email: nbritz@iafrica.com website www.capeglassstudio.com

WHEEL OF EXCELLENCE
8 June - 15 January
A 50m observation wheel (similar to UK's London Eye) with 36 fully-enclosed cabins offering visitors a 20 minute round trip with panoramic views of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the surrounds. VIP cabins, including champagne and canapés, available on request. Venue: Canal Site, opposite the Caltex garage, V&A Waterfront Time: Sun - Thurs @ 11am - 8pm, Fri & Sun @ 11am - 10pm Cost: R 80 Tel: 021 408 7600 Email: info@waterfront.co.za website 2010.waterfront.co.za

EXHIBITION: 1910 - 2010: FROM PIERNEEF TO GUGULECTIVE
7 July - 3 October
A showcase of South African art across the last 100 years. Exhibited artists include Gerard Sekoto, Irma Stern, George Pemba, Maggie Laubser, Gerard Bhengu, JH Pierneef, Durant Sihlali and Dumile Feni. Venue: South African National Gallery, Company Gardens [see map] Time: Tues - Sun @ 10am - 5pm Cost: R 15Tel: 021 467 4663 Email: sadams@iziko.org.za website www.iziko.org.za

EXHIBITION: MANDELA
7 July - 31 December
An exploration of the extraordinary life of South Africa's most celebrated icon. Venue: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley & Wale Sts Time: Mon - Sat @ 10am - 5pm (closed on Christmas Day) Cost: R 15Tel. 021 461 3375 Email: wvandelen@iziko.org.za website www.iziko.org.za

ART: WINTER GALA
29 July - 30 September
Paarl's first commercial art gallery exhibits a variety of paintings, ceramics and sculptures by established and new artists. Venue: Hout Street Gallery, 270 Main St, Paarl Time: Mon - Sat @ 8.30am - 5pm, Sun @ 10am - 5pm Cost: Free Tel: 021 872 5030 Email: zetler@icon.co.za website www.houtstreetgallery.co.za

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
30 August - 19 September
The annual festival now in its second decade features a line-up of great comedians from all over the world. Venue: Baxter Concert Hall [see map] Time: Tues - Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 6pm, 10 & 11 Sept @ 10.30pm Cost: R 120 - R 150 Tel: 021 685 7880 website www.baxter.co.za

WILDFLOWER GAME DRIVE
3 September - 15 October
A game drive through the Burgherspost Nature Reserve offers the opportunity to view swathes of wildflowers including some on the critically endangered list. Minimum two people per drive. Venue: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling Time: Various, Mon - Sat Cost: R 150 (2hr drive)Tel: 022 492 2839 Email: info@cloof.co.za website www.cloof.co.za

KIRSTENBOSCH BIENNALE 2010
5 September - 24 September
An exhibition of botanical fine art with this year's main focus being on rare, endangered and narrow endemic species indigenous to Southern Africa. There will also be guided walkabouts of the exhibition conducted by well-known artists and critics. Venue: Old Mutual Conference Centre, Kirstenbosch Time: 9am - 5pm Cost: Free Tel: 021 671 7384 website www.sanbi.org

GOURMET DINNER AND WINE TASTING
10 September
An opportunity to sample a selection of Simonsig Wines followed by a four course gourmet dinner paired with wine. Venue: The Square Restaurant, Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Colinton Rd (off Protea Rd), Newlands Time: 7pm Cost: R 250Tel: 021 657 4500 Email: eat@vineyard.co.za

MUSIC: VASSILY PRIMAKOV
10 September
The popular Russian pianist who studied at Julliard in New York, performs a programme of works by Chopin. Venue: Endler Hall, University of Stellenbosch, cnr Victoria & Neethling Sts, Stellenbosch Time: 8pm Cost: R 85Tel: 021 808 2345 Email: music@sun.ac.zawww.sun.ac.za/music

LOOK AND FEEL GOOD EXPO
10 September - 12 September
A lifestyle expo with a focus on health, wellness, longevity, positivity, vitality, environmental awareness and sustainability. Venue: CTICC [see map] Time: 10 Sept @ 11am, 11 & 12 Sept @ 9am Cost: Free - R 60www.lookandfeelgoodexpo.co.zawww.webtickets.co.za

CALEDON WILD FLOWER SHOW
10 September - 13 September
Indigenous flower show - mainly proteas and ericas. Venue: Victoria Hall, Caledon Time: Thurs - Sun @ 9am - 5pm, Mon @ 9am - 1pm Cost: tbcTel: 028 214 1016 E-mail: adriaanhanekom@telkomsa.net

GOURMET DINNER AND WINE
15 September
A five-course tasting menu paired with Warwick wines is hosted by the editor of Wine magazine, Cathryn Henderson. Venue: The Taj Hotel, Wale St Time: 7pm for 7.30pm Cost: R 450 (incl. wine and gratuity)Tel: 021 530 3308 / 0860 100 205 Email: janee@ramsaymedia.co.za

CONCERT: DAVID HELFGOTT
17 September
A classical performance by the legendary Australian pianist is followed by a food and wine pairing with Waterford Wines. Venue: Ellerman House, 180 Kloof Rd, Bantry Bay Time: 6pm Cost: 6 200 - R 7 400pp (incl. accommodation)Tel: 021 430 3200 Email: info@ellerman.co.za www.ellerman.co.za

THE CRAZY STORE TABLE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
18 September
This 36km trail run around Cape Town’s world-famous mountain is one of South Africa’s premier off-road running events. Competitors run through indigenous forest, cross mountain streams and pass through the pristine Orange Kloof area. Venue: Start @ Kloof Nek Start Time: 7am Tel: 021 424 4760 Email: info@abseilafrica.co.za www.trailrunning.co.za

FREE ENTRY: IZIKO MUSEUMS
20 September - 26 September
In commemoration of Heritage Day the Iziko Museums will be free to the public (the Planetarium and the Castle of Good Hope only offer free entry on 24 Sept).www.iziko.org.za

Africa Aerospace & Defence Airshow 2010
21 September - 25 September
The largest aerospace, defence, and security exhibition in Africa is held against the backdrop of Table Mountain. Venue: Ysterplaat Air Force Base Time: 8am - 5pm Cost: R 40 (pre-paid) R 50 (gate)Tel: 021 508 6414 Email: aad2008@ysterplaat.org.zawww.aadexpo.co.za

FULL MOON
23 September Moonrise: 7pm Moonset: 6.12am Full Moon: 11.18am

FULL MOON HIKE
23 September
An uphill 10km vineyard trail with spectacular views over the winelands and across to Table Mountain, making the most of the sunset and the moonrise. Vehicles available to transport to the halfway point. Bring snacks and drinks (or buy at the centre), torch, jacket, hiking boots. Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, Stellenbosch Time: start hike @ 5.45pm, sunset @ 6.43pm / Moonrise @ 7pm Cost: R 50 (R 20 < href="mailto:theteam@dirtopia.co.za">theteam@dirtopia.co.zawww.dirtopia.co.za

GOURMET DINNER AND WINE TASTING
24 September
An opportunity to sample a selection of Creation Wines and Luddite Wines followed by a four course gourmet dinner paired with wine. Venue: The Square Restaurant, Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Colinton Rd (off Protea Rd), Newlands Time: 7pm Cost: R 250Tel: 021 657 4500 Email: eat@vineyard.co.za www.vineyard.co.za/pages/the_square.htm

HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL
24 September - 28 September
Celebrate the peak of the whale-watching season in a town with the best land-based whale-watching in the world. Venue: Hermanus Time: Various Cost: VariousTel: 028 313 0927 www.whalefestival.co.za

CAPE TOWN MARATHON
26 September
The annual marathon which links the historic city centre with the wide variety of cultures and communities that make up the Mother City. There are 4.2km and 10km options as well as the main 42km route. Start Venue: Adderley Street Time: 42km @ 6.30am, 4.2km & 10km @ 7.45am Cost: R 20 - R 100 Tel: 021 699 0624 Email: wpathletics@iafrica.comwww.capetownmarathon.org.za

HERMANUS FLOWER AND ECO FAIR
30 September - 3 October
A display of floral exhibits including some by Chelsea award winner David Davidson. Venue: Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus Time: Thurs - Sat @ 9am - 5pm, Sun @ 9am - 4pm Cost: R 30Tel: 028 313 9819 Email: hermanusbotsoc@telkomsa.net fernkloof.com/festival.mv


Source: www.whatsonincapetown.com